Sustainable Office Design

The Bloomberg ‘Outstanding’ rating against the BREEAM sustainability assessment method clearly pushes the boundaries of sustainable office design. With a world-leading score of 98.5%, this exceptional building is the result of the vision of Michael Bloomberg and leading architectural practice Foster + Partners. To accomplish the project’s high standards of sustainability took commitment and ownership from all stakeholders.

To become one of the most sustainable buildings in the world requires innovation and an integrated approach to sustainable construction and design. For Optima, early engagement and careful planning were key, as it was critical that a number of contractual and planning environmental specifications were adhered to. Watch our quick video of Bloomberg’s Headquarters.

Optima Supports Bloomberg’s Sustainability Goals

The main sustainability goal for Optima was to support the Bloomberg team in pursuing not only the BREEAM for Offices ‘Outstanding’ rating, but also a LEED ‘GOLD’ rating. Additionally, Bloomberg’s set it’s own Sustainability Objectives and Targets. As an example, all timber that was used on the project was required to be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, with full chain of custody. To contribute towards the achievement of these ratings, Optima provided information in four main categories on a monthly basis.

Materials

Timber

Re-using or recycling

Energy

Implementing best practice in these areas was essential in order to make a significant contribution towards the project’s environmental targets. At pre-construction stage, it was crucial to identify the challenge that materials such as glass, aluminium and timber might face.

Design and Procurement

Optima influenced the decision making process during important aspects of the life cycle operations, such as design and procurement. The challenge for us was to monitor quantities of products to install on a monthly basis and report on product costs. We stringently ensured our products and materials were procured from responsible sourcing certified suppliers.

Optima successfully delivered on all fronts, not just in terms of realising Foster + Partners’ aspiring design brief for this landmark building, but by also ensuring the project achieved the highest environmental ratings. The positive feedback from Sir Robert McAlpine (SRMA) is testament to this accomplishment and is summed up by Stephanie Lopez, SRMA’s Sustainability Advisor and Package Manager, who said: “Thank you for everything. You are brilliant with your reports both in time and in contents. It definitely makes our lives easier.”

Environmental considerations should be at the very heart of building design and specification, which for manufacturers and installers means paying closer attention to sustainable sourcing. Here at Optima we are striving to be at the forefront of the sustainability and environmental agenda within the partitioning industry. We continue to develop innovative new sustainable office designs for our partitioning systems. This drive and determination has been instrumental in creating a truly unique and inspirational workplace at Bloomberg.